FAQs
Roofing FAQs
Answers to the questions we're asked most in Banbury. Can't see yours — call 07878 363905 and ask.
Do you cover my area?
We work across Banbury and the surrounding villages — see our full coverage area list for the towns and villages we reach regularly. If you're just outside that list, call us anyway; we often still cover it.
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry public liability insurance for all roofing work we undertake. We're happy to talk through the specifics when we quote.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. We'll come out, take a proper look at the roof, and give you a written quote with no obligation to proceed.
How quickly can you come out?
For emergency call-outs — active leaks, storm damage — we aim to respond same day. For planned repairs and replacements, we'll usually get someone out within a few days to quote.
Do you work on both pitched and flat roofs?
Yes, we cover pitched tile and slate roofs as well as flat roofing in felt, GRP fibreglass and EPDM rubber.
What areas of roofing do you not cover?
We focus on roof repair, replacement and flat roofing work. If your enquiry falls outside that, we'll say so upfront rather than take on work we're not set up for.
Do I need to be in when you quote?
It helps if you can be there to point out the problem area and answer questions, but for straightforward pitched roof inspections we can often assess from ground level or with a drone/pole camera and call you with the findings.
Can you help with insurance claim work?
Yes — for storm and accidental damage we can provide a written report with photos to support your claim.
How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?
It comes down to how much of the roof is affected and the condition of the underlying timber and felt. A handful of slipped tiles is a repair; widespread cracking, sagging, or repeated leaks in different spots usually points to a replacement. We'll give you an honest answer either way.
How long does a typical repair take?
Most single-issue repairs — a section of slipped tiles, a flashing repair — are completed in a day. Larger repair jobs are quoted with a clear timescale up front.
How long does a full re-roof take?
A typical semi-detached or terraced roof usually takes between 3 and 7 working days, weather permitting. We'll confirm a realistic timescale once we've surveyed the roof.
Will I need planning permission for a new roof?
Most like-for-like re-roofs don't need planning permission, but changes to roof height, shape, or materials on listed buildings or in conservation areas might. We'll flag it if your project needs a check.
What counts as a roofing emergency?
Active water ingress, a roof section lifted or torn off in high winds, a fallen chimney stack, or anything letting water into the building right now.
Will the temporary fix hold until the proper repair?
Yes — a temporary tarp or seal is designed to keep the property watertight until we can carry out the permanent repair, which we'll schedule in as soon as possible.
The stain on my ceiling isn't getting bigger — do I still need to call?
Yes. A leak can be slow and intermittent, especially if it only shows in heavy rain or wind-driven rain. Left alone it tends to cause timber and insulation damage even if the visible stain looks stable.
Why does water keep pooling on my flat roof?
Ponding usually means the roof's falls (its slight slope towards drainage) have settled or were never built in correctly. A patch repair on the membrane won't fix pooling — the falls need correcting.
Which flat roof covering lasts longest — felt, GRP or EPDM?
EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass typically outlast traditional felt and come with longer manufacturer guarantees. Felt is often the lower-cost option and still performs well when installed correctly — we'll recommend based on the roof and your budget.
Do you do both the quote and the work, or do you subcontract?
The team that quotes the job carries out the work. You're not handed off to a different crew you haven't met.